Tag Archives: OTB Play

Lesson 3: Beware a draw offer from a stronger player

Posted on March 31, 2017 by

Back to Lesson 2 When I play a much stronger player, my thought process is sometimes affected. On the one hand I feel I have the freedom to play aggressively and more instinctively, because a loss would not be unexpected. … Continue reading →

Posted in Lessons, OTB Play | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Lesson 2: When ahead, don’t overthink

Posted on March 26, 2017 by

Back to Lesson 1 This is not a ‘sexy’ lesson with a big wow-moment, but it is the sort of subtle thing which is often overlooked. My opponent, rated 1150, made life difficult for himself out of the opening, having … Continue reading →

Posted in Lessons, OTB Play | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Lesson 1: On (almost) every move, consider ALL Checks, Captures and Threats

Posted on March 25, 2017 by

This position arose in one of my recent games. White is better here to the tune of about +6, partly because of the knight on the great c6-outpost, the pressure on the backward c-pawn and the superior dark squared bishop. My … Continue reading →

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Latest ECF Ratings

Posted on February 5, 2017 by

The ECF has finally published the 2016 year-end ratings. For those who don’t know, unlike the USCF or FIDE, who update ratings very regularly, the ECF updates official ratings only every six months. I am very glad to report that … Continue reading →

Posted in OTB Play | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Review – June and July 2016

Posted on August 3, 2016 by

Two bits of news for the two months of June and July. Firstly, the July 2016 ECF ratings list is out and I now have my highest rating yet, of 111 (1533 Elo). Nothing special, but at least I have … Continue reading →

Posted in Mastery, OTB Play, Study Plan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Review – May 2016

Posted on June 2, 2016 by

I somehow missed out giving an update at the end of April, so this will be a double. I mentioned in February and March that I had simplified my study plan. In April and May I made further refinements and … Continue reading →

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Review – March 2016

Posted on March 31, 2016 by

March felt like a slow chess month. I only played two rated OTB games and stagnated a bit on training. However, I feel comfortable with the simplified study plan I introduced last month and just need to tweak around the … Continue reading →

Posted in Study Plan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments